No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted
” was written many years ago by Aesop, and is as valuable a
lesson then as it is today. Our community is filled with those who
walk in kindness, and many veterans and families are thankful for
the efforts of Joe Romo and American Legion Post 444 and Commander
George Shebib.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” was written many years ago by Aesop, and is as valuable a lesson then as it is today. Our community is filled with those who walk in kindness, and many veterans and families are thankful for the efforts of Joe Romo and American Legion Post 444 and Commander George Shebib.
I met Joe at the Mt. Hope Cemetery Memorial Day Observance. We started chatting and we both commented upon the beautiful flags lining the walkway beside Veterans Row. Years ago, the cemetery would be dotted with flags on days of important military observances, yet the custom fell by the wayside recently.
Joe said he would love to see it reinstituted, and with Joe’s tenacity, and walking and viewing every single marker in the cemetery and with the generosity of American Legion Post 444, 300 flags were purchased and placed on graves on July 3 to commemorate July 4.
A special thanks to Shebib and Tom Salzano, also for helping with the flag placement and retrieval. The American Legion meets the first Wednesday of each month. For details call 779-5451.
Morgan Hill’s Library celebrates its 90th birthday Saturday Aug. 7, and special programs including family story times, the AAUW Chorus (American Association of University Women) sing-a-long, crafts and tours will be offered.
The volunteers of our library will also be honored that day. A special thank you to our community and City Council for the beautiful clock I received in recognition of my years as a library commissioner. It is always an honor and a delight to be of service.
A huge heartfelt thank you goes to Keith Wander and Custom Chrome for allowing Operation: Care and Comfort Military Care Package Program to join them at the Hollister Independence Day Rally. With their support, many heartwarming conversations were held at our booth and more than $4,000 was raised to pay for shipping of packages to our deployed military.
More than 43,000 pounds of care and comfort items have been sent to our men and women in conflict zones through this American Red Cross program. The 600 pounds of items collected by Gilroy Boy Scout Devin Collins for his Eagle Scout Project has been shipped to the 30 adopted units. If you would like to have more information, give Julie DeMaria a call at 373-8635 for donation information.
The National Rifle Association generously sent our Marine son many weapons-cleaning kits when they found out these items were needed in Iraq. They will be offering classes on safety around weapons and the members council of South Valley meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Sunrise Cafe 6120 Monterey Road, Gilroy. For more information call 235-9175.
My prayer partner, Linda Jones Babb, and I have been meeting for more than a year now, and as a celebration we had tea at the Vintage Pear. Absolutely charming shop and scrumptious foods served by Maureen Lindsey, proprietress. Tea is by reservation only, and tea luncheons and showers can be arranged. Phone 776-1922. Supporting local businesses in the downtown keeps our community vibrant.
As always, still looking for those interested in sponsoring a troop care package drive or the making of cooling neckties for our service members. Morgan Hill has close to 50 identified military personnel, and because of their sacrifices we are enjoying the freedoms we take for granted. So, if you feel you would like to get involved in saying thank you, give me a phone call at 779-6916.
A special prayer of thanks goes to the women who helped my daughter when she was in need recently. Your choosing to stop and help her is deeply and sincerely appreciated by our family.
In closing, some words of wisdom from Ajahn Tiradhammo:
“If we could really penetrate the truth about impermanence our life would be lived very differently. We could live with more joy and spontaneity – able to rejoice in the continuously emerging wonder of life. We could learn to flow with life’s ups and downs because we know them to be changing situations.
“It is not that life changes but that change is the very essence of life. Change and impermanence are the fundamental characteristics of life which we need to learn to be in harmony with in order to be free and untroubled. Some people may be frightened to investigate or accept change.
“Yet the joy and freedom which come from realizing the truth of change far surpass the mundane happiness of holding on to illusions and dreams. Change is life. Change is the wonder of life.”
May your months be filled and overflowing with the wonders and beauty of change as divine order.
Mary Ellen Salzano is a Realtor for Century 21 Premier. She lives in Morgan Hill with her husband and two children. Her columns, Sharing and Caring, are published the third Friday of the month. Contact her at ma***************@***oo.com
